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Alternative names Return to top
Endometrial/uterine adenocarcinoma; Uterine cancer; Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium/uterus; Cancer - uterine; Cancer - endometrialDefinition Return to top
Endometrial cancer involves cancerous growth of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to have a role. One of estrogen's normal functions is to stimulate the buildup of the epithelial lining of the uterus. Excess estrogen administered to laboratory animals produces endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
The incidence of endometrial cancer in women in the U.S. is 1 - 2%. The incidence peaks between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but 2 - 5% of cases may occur before the age of 40 years. Increased risk of developing endometrial cancer has been noted in women with increased levels of natural estrogen.
Associated conditions include the following:
Increased risk is also associated with the following:
Women who have a history of endometrial polyps or other benign growths of the uterine lining, postmenopausal women who use estrogen-replacement therapy (specifically if not given in conjunction with periodic progestin), and those with diabetes are also at increased risk.
Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer, may also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
A pelvic examination is frequently normal, especially in the early stages of disease. Changes in the size, shape or consistency of the uterus or its surrounding, supporting structures may exist when the disease is more advanced.Treatment Return to top
Women with the early stage 1 disease may be candidates for treatment with surgical hysterectomy, but removal of the tubes and ovaries (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) is also usually recommended for 2 reasons:
Abdominal hysterectomy is recommended over vaginal hysterectomy, because it affords the opportunity to examine and obtain washings of the abdominal cavity to detect any further evidence of cancer.
Women with stage 1 disease who are at increased risk for recurrence, and those with stage 2 disease are often offered surgery in combination with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be considered in some cases, especially for those with stage 3 and 4 disease.
Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Because endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed in the early stages (70 - 75% of cases are in stage 1 at diagnosis, 10 - 15% of cases are in stage 2, 10 - 15% of cases are in stage 3 or 4), there is a better probable outcome associated with it than with other types of gynecological cancers such as cervical or ovarian cancer.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any of the above symptoms occur, particularly if you are a woman with associated risk factors, or if you have not had women's health care examinations according to recommended schedules.Prevention Return to top
All women should have regular pelvic exams and Pap smears beginning at the onset of sexual activity (or at the age of 20 if not sexually active) to help detect signs of any abnormal development.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |